It’s 1929 and we are in Florida at a Cuban–American cigar factory; cigars are still rolled by hand and “lectors” are hired to educate and entertain the workers. When a new lector enters the scene and begins to read aloud Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, he unwittingly becomes a catalyst in the lives of his avid listeners and suddenly the lives of the workers begin to parallel the novel. Old traditions and new ways collide while longing, love, and betrayal spark a volatile flame that signals the end of an era.

Why Anna in the Tropics?

Anna in the Tropics is a story that belongs to this city. It was written by a Miami playwright, it first premiered at the New Theater in Coral Gables, it was awarded a Pulitzer, and now, for the first time ever, Nilo Cruz himself will direct the play. Nilo and his achievements bring a huge sense of pride to our community, and we are honored to continue collaborating with him and call him a dear friend. Anna in the Tropics is a beautiful balance of a strong story with poetic storytelling that is moving, sexy, heartbreaking and spectacular. – Michel Hausmann, Artistic Director.